Florida GOP Pushes Unity After Rough Primary as Turnout Risks Falling Below 30%
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 18
Florida GOP Pushes Unity After Rough Primary as Turnout Risks Falling Below 30%
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 18
Summary
Tuesday’s Florida primary is set to end a bruising Republican fight, with party leaders and candidates already shifting their message toward November and Democratic opponents.
Evan Power, the state GOP chair, said Republicans are ready to “stop fighting Republicans,” reflecting concern that a divisive season could weaken the party’s general-election footing.
Turnout is a key worry because 2026 is the first Florida election in more than 10 years without Ron DeSantis or Donald Trump on the ballot; one GOP consultant said participation could slip below 30%.
Byron Donalds remains the governor’s race frontrunner, helped by Trump’s early endorsement and a fundraising edge, but a strong second-place finish by rival Fishback could renew questions about party unity.
Donalds argued Florida Republicans routinely survive hard-fought primaries, pointing to DeSantis’ 2018 nomination battle as evidence the party can regroup after internal clashes.